U.S. patent application number 10/725280 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for knee airbag and glove box assembly.
Invention is credited to Enders, Mark L..
Application Number | 20050116449 10/725280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34620275 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050116449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Enders, Mark L. |
June 2, 2005 |
Knee airbag and glove box assembly
Abstract
A glove box airbag system is disclosed that may be used to
protect the knees and/or legs of a vehicle occupant during a crash.
The airbag assembly includes a glove box and a housing that encases
a knee airbag. The housing is positioned below the glove box. The
entirety of the housing may be positioned below the entirety of the
glove box. The airbag assembly also has a front member that covers
the glove box and the housing. The front member may include a glove
box door that covers the glove box and an airbag door that covers
the housing. Alternatively, the front member may be a glove box
door that covers both the housing and the glove box. Further, the
front member may include a glove box door that covers the glove box
and an aperture that is positioned in front of the housing. A hinge
and/or a latch mechanism that allow the glove box door to move
between a closed position and an open position may also be
added.
Inventors: |
Enders, Mark L.; (Pleasant
View, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sally J. Brown
AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
3350 Airport Road
Ogden
UT
84405
US
|
Family ID: |
34620275 |
Appl. No.: |
10/725280 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/730.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/2171 20130101;
B60R 21/206 20130101; B60R 2021/23169 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/730.1 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/22 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. An airbag assembly comprising: a glove box; a knee airbag; a
housing encasing the knee airbag, the housing being positioned
proximate the glove box; and a front member that covers the glove
box and the housing.
2. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door and an airbag door.
3. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door that covers both the glove box and the
housing.
4. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the assembly further
comprises a hinge.
5. An airbag assembly as in claim 4 wherein the hinge may be
positioned on a vehicle's instrument panel below a bottom edge of
the housing.
6. An airbag assembly as in claim 4 wherein the hinge is attached
to a top edge of the housing.
7. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the front member
comprises a tear seam.
8. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 further comprising a latch
mechanism that is attached to the front member.
9. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the housing in integral
with the glove box.
10. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the assembly is
constructed such that the knee airbag will deploy substantially
upward when installed onto a vehicle.
11. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the assembly is
constructed such that the housing does not move when the glove box
is opened.
12. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the assembly is
constructed such that the housing will move when the glove box door
is opened.
13. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the glove box is
attachable to a vehicle's instrument panel via one or more
U-brackets.
14. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 further comprising an inflator
for deploying the knee airbag into an inflated configuration.
15. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 further comprising a mounting
bracket attached to the housing.
16. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the assembly further
comprises a middle panel positioned behind the front member.
17. An airbag assembly as in claim 16 wherein the middle panel
includes one or more ribs.
18. An airbag assembly as in claim 16 wherein the middle panel has
an aperture positioned in front of the housing.
19. An airbag assembly as in claim 16 wherein the middle panel is
held between the glove box and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
20. An airbag assembly as in claim 19 wherein the extending tabs
pass through one or more slots in the middle panel.
21. An airbag assembly as in claim 16 wherein the middle panel is
held between the housing and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
22. An airbag assembly as in claim 21 wherein the extending tabs
pass through one or more slots in the middle panel.
23. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door and an aperture.
24. An airbag assembly as in claim 23 further comprising a cover
sized and configured to cover the aperture.
25. An airbag assembly as in claim 24 wherein the cover includes
one or more flanges.
26. An airbag assembly as in claim 25 wherein the flanges engage
holes in the front member and openings in the housing.
27. An airbag assembly as in claim 25 wherein the flanges engage
one or more engaging tanges that are positioned on the housing.
28. An airbag assembly as in claim 25 wherein the cover includes a
tear seam that is positioned on the flanges.
29. An airbag assembly as in claim 24 wherein the cover includes a
tear seam that is positioned on a front panel of the cover.
30. An airbag assembly as in claim 1 wherein the airbag assembly is
constructed such that during a crash, the airbag will deploy into
an inflated configuration regardless of whether a glove box door is
in an open position or a closed position.
31. An airbag assembly as in claim 30 wherein the deployment of the
airbag into an inflated configuration moves the glove box door into
a closed position.
32. An airbag assembly comprising: a glove box; a knee airbag; a
housing encasing the knee airbag, wherein the entirety of the
housing is positioned below the entirety of the glove box; and a
front member that covers the glove box and the housing.
33. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door and an airbag door.
34. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door that covers both the glove box and the
housing.
35. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 further comprising a hinge
that is attached to a top edge of the housing.
36. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 further comprising a hinge
that is positioned on a vehicle's instrument panel below a bottom
edge of the housing.
37. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the front member
comprises a tear seam.
38. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the housing in
integral with the glove box.
39. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the assembly further
comprises a middle panel that is positioned behind the front member
and in front of the housing and the glove box.
40. An airbag assembly as in claim 39 wherein the middle panel
includes one or more ribs.
41. An airbag assembly as in claim 39 wherein the middle panel has
an aperture positioned in front of the housing.
42. An airbag assembly as in claim 39 wherein the middle panel is
held between the glove box and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
43. An airbag assembly as in claim 39 wherein the middle panel is
held between the housing and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
44. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door and an aperture.
45. An airbag assembly as in claim 44 further comprising a cover
sized and configured to cover the aperture.
46. An airbag assembly as in claim 45 wherein the cover includes
one or more flanges.
47. An airbag assembly as in claim 46 wherein the flanges engage
one or more engaging tanges positioned on the housing.
48. An airbag assembly as in claim 45 wherein the cover includes a
tear seam.
49. An airbag assembly as in claim 32 wherein the airbag assembly
is constructed such that during a crash, the airbag will deploy
into an inflated configuration regardless of whether a glove box
door is in an open position or a closed position.
50. An airbag assembly as in claim 49 wherein the deployment of the
airbag into an inflated configuration moves the glove box door into
a closed position.
51. An airbag assembly comprising: a glove box; a knee airbag; a
housing encasing the knee airbag, the housing being positioned
below the glove box; a front member that covers the glove box and
the housing; an inflator in fluid communication with the knee
airbag; and a middle panel positioned inside the front member.
52. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the middle panel
includes one or more ribs.
53. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the middle panel has
an aperture positioned adjacent to the housing.
54. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the middle panel is
held between the glove box and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
55. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the middle panel is
held between the housing and the front member via one or more
extending tabs.
56. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the front member
comprises a glove box door and an airbag door.
57. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the front member
comprises a tear seam.
58. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the housing is
integral with the glove box.
59. An airbag assembly as in claim 51 wherein the airbag assembly
is constructed such that during a crash, the airbag will deploy
into an inflated configuration regardless of whether a glove box
door is in an open position or a closed position.
60. An airbag assembly as in claim 59 wherein the deployment of the
airbag into an inflated configuration moves the glove box door into
a closed position.
61. An airbag assembly comprising: a glove box; a knee airbag; a
housing that encases the knee airbag, the housing being positioned
below the glove box; and a front member comprising a glove box door
and aperture, the glove box door being positioned in front of the
glove box and the aperture being positioned in front of the
housing; and a cover positioned over the aperture, the cover being
attached to the housing.
62. An airbag assembly as in claim 61 wherein the cover includes
one or more flanges.
63. An airbag assembly as in claim 62 wherein the flanges are
designed to engage holes in the front member and openings in the
housing.
64. An airbag assembly as in claim 62 wherein the flanges engage
one or more engaging tanges positioned on the housing.
65. An airbag assembly as in claim 62 wherein the cover includes a
tear seam positioned on the flanges.
66. An airbag assembly as in claim 61 wherein the cover includes a
tear seam positioned on a front panel of the cover.
67. An airbag assembly as in claim 61 wherein the airbag assembly
is constructed such that during a crash, the airbag will deploy
into an inflated configuration regardless of whether a glove box
door is in an open position or a closed position.
68. An airbag assembly as in claim 67 wherein the deployment of the
airbag into an inflated configuration moves the glove box door into
a closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to knee airbag assemblies.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel knee
airbag and glove box assembly that may be installed onto the front
passenger side of a motor vehicle.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Inflatable airbags are well accepted for use in motor
vehicles and have been credited with preventing numerous deaths and
accidents. Some statistics estimate that frontal airbags reduce the
fatalities in head-on collisions by 25% among drivers using seat
belts and by more than 30% among unbelted drivers. Statistics
further suggest that with use of a combination of seat belt and
airbag, serious chest injuries in frontal collisions can be reduced
by 65% and serious head injuries by up to 75%. Airbag use presents
clear benefits and vehicle owners are frequently willing to pay the
added expense for airbags.
[0005] A modern airbag apparatus may include an electronic control
unit ("ECU") and one or more airbag modules. The ECU is usually
installed in the middle of an automobile, between the passenger and
engine compartments. The ECU includes a sensor that continuously
monitors the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and sends
this information to a processor that processes an algorithm to
determine if the vehicle is in an accident situation.
[0006] When the processor determines that there is an accident
situation, the ECU transmits an electrical current to an initiator
in the airbag module. The initiator triggers operation of the
inflator or gas generator which, in some embodiments, uses a
combination of compressed gas and solid fuel. The inflator inflates
a textile airbag to project towards the passenger and prevent
injury to the passenger. In some airbag apparatuses, the airbag may
be fully inflated within 50 thousandths of a second and deflated
within two tenths of a second.
[0007] Airbag apparatuses have been designed for deployment in
front of the torso of an occupant between the upper torso of an
occupant and the windshield or instrument panel. Such airbags are
referred to as "primary airbags" and usually consist of driver's
airbags mounted in or proximate the steering wheel and/or passenger
airbags mounted in the dashboard. Primary airbags protect the
occupant's upper torso and head from colliding with a windshield or
instrument panel during a crash.
[0008] Primary airbags are generally designed under the assumption
that the occupant is riding in the vehicle in a forward facing,
seated position with both feet on the vehicle floor. When an
occupant is not in this position, the occupant or occupant's body
part is said to be "out of position." As an occupant occasionally
is "out of position," airbag apparatuses that effectively restrain
the occupant regardless of the occupant's position are
advantageous.
[0009] During a front-end collision, if the occupant is restrained
by a seat belt, the occupant's upper torso bends at the waist and
hits the primary airbag. However, depending on the design of the
vehicle seat and force of the collision, there is a tendency for an
occupant to slide forward along the seat and slip below the primary
airbag, falling to the feet and leg compartment of the vehicle.
Such non-preferred movement of the vehicle occupant towards the
feet and leg compartments of the vehicle is often referred to as
"submarining."
[0010] Alternatively, there is also a tendency for the legs and
knees of the occupant to slide or shift to one side of the seat or
the other during a front-end collision. The tendency is pronounced
when the occupant is not properly restrained by a seat belt. This
tendency may be referred to as "sliding". Sliding often causes the
occupant's upper torso to bend at the waist but not in a direction
perpendicular to the primary airbag. When the occupant slides, the
primary airbag is less effective in protecting the occupant.
[0011] Sliding and submarining are more prevalent in vehicles that
have large legroom compartments. On the other hand, vehicles that
have restricted legroom, such as compact models or sports cars,
have a lower tendency for sliding and submarining. In these smaller
cars, the distance between the legs and knees of the occupant and
the instrument panel is shorter than the distance in vehicles like
sport utility vehicles or trucks. Thus, if a compact model or
sports car is involved in an accident, the occupant's knees will
likely strike a portion of the instrument panel. In turn, this
contact with the instrument panel prevents the occupant from
sliding or submarining. However, the material of the car's
instrument panel has limited energy absorption characteristics and
can cause injury to the occupant's lower legs. The area of the
instrument panel that is impacted by the occupant's knees is
sometimes referred to as the knee bolster.
[0012] In order to prevent sliding and lower leg injuries in
vehicles, knee airbag systems have been developed. A knee airbag
system is generally positioned in the lower portion of the
instrument panel. Knee airbag systems allow vehicle manufacturers
to design vehicles with more legroom and still have safety
comparable to that of vehicles with less legroom.
[0013] As with other types of airbags, knee airbags include an
inflator and an airbag. In general, the airbag is made of a
flexible fabric material such as a weave of nylon and/or polyester.
Generally, multiple pieces of fabric are sewn together to form an
airbag. Alternatively, the material may be woven to create a one
piece airbag. Most knee airbag systems will also include a housing.
The housing is a conventional enclosure for securing the knee
airbag components to the vehicle. The housing stores the knee
airbag system components while the airbag is deflated and not in
use.
[0014] Knee airbag systems are designed such that if the ECU senses
or detects a crash or accident, the ECU will initiate and/or
activate the inflator. This activation of the inflator causes the
inflator to produce and/or channel a large volume of inflation gas
into the airbag. In turn, this influx of inflation gas causes the
airbag to inflate and deploy into the interior of the vehicle.
[0015] When the knee airbag is inflated during the crash, the
airbag becomes positioned between the knees and/or legs of the
occupant. Accordingly, as the occupant begins to move towards the
instrument panel of the vehicle during a crash, the knees and/or
legs of the occupant will contact and/or impact the inflated knee
airbag. Such contact with the knee airbag holds the vehicle
occupant in the desired position and prevents the occupant from
sliding or submarining during a crash.
[0016] Many of the known knee airbag systems have been specifically
designed such that they may be installed onto the driver side of
the instrument panel. Such driver-side knee airbags are typically
positioned below the steering wheel and are designed to protect the
vehicle's driver during an accident. Experience has shown however
that it is much more difficult to create a knee airbag system that
may be installed onto the vehicle's passenger side. The reason for
this is that most vehicles contain a glove box that is located on
the passenger side of the instrument panel. This placement of the
glove box overlaps and /or occupies all or a portion of the space
needed to install the knee airbag system. Therefore, in order to
accommodate the spatial constraints caused by the glove box, many
passenger-side knee airbag systems must be installed onto the
vehicle in a position that does not provide optimal impact
protection to the a vehicle occupant seated in the front passenger
seat.
[0017] Additionally, the spatial constraints caused by the glove
box also raise the costs associated with installing the knee airbag
system into the vehicle. Specifically, because the glove box
overlaps with the knee airbag system, experienced and/or skilled
laborers will often be required to use extra seconds during to
installation process to ensure that the knee airbag system does not
interfere with the ability to open and close the glove box door. As
the airbag and vehicle manufacturer incur costs for every moment
that passes during the installation process, these extra moments
spent during installation will raise the production costs and can
drastically affect the manufacturer's overall profit margin.
[0018] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a novel knee
airbag and glove box assembly that addresses and/or solves one or
more of the above-listed problems. Such a system and device is
disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in
response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in
response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet
been fully solved by currently available glove box airbag systems.
In general, the present invention comprises an airbag assembly that
includes a glove box. The glove box is made of metal, plastic, and
other similar materials and is designed such that it may be used to
store equipment, papers, booklets, and the like. The glove box is
further designed such that it may be attached or positioned onto a
vehicle's instrument panel. The airbag assembly also comprises a
housing that encases a knee airbag. The housing may be separate
from the glove box. However, other embodiments may also be made in
which the housing is attached to and/or integral with the glove
box.
[0020] The housing is constructed such that it may likewise be
attached to a vehicle's instrument panel. Preferably, the housing
is positioned below the glove box. In some embodiments, this may be
accomplished by constructing the airbag assembly such that the
entirety of the housing is positioned below the entirety of the
glove box. However, other embodiments may also be made in which
only a portion of the housing is positioned below the glove
box.
[0021] The airbag assembly further comprises a front member that is
positioned forward of the glove box. The front member is designed
such that it covers both the glove box and the housing. In some
embodiments, the front member may comprise a glove box door that
covers the glove box and an airbag door that covers the housing.
Yet further embodiments may be made in which the front member
comprises a glove box door that covers both the glove box and the
housing. Still further embodiments may be constructed in which the
front member comprises a glove box door that is positioned in front
of the glove box and an aperture that is positioned in front of the
housing.
[0022] A hinge and a latch mechanism may additionally be added to
the airbag assembly. The latch mechanism is designed to selectively
engage and disengage a top portion of the instrument panel.
Preferably, the hinge and the latch mechanism are designed such
that if the latch mechanism disengages from the top portion, the
glove box door may be moved into an open position.
[0023] In some embodiments, the hinge is attached to a top edge of
the housing. As a result, when the glove box door is moved into the
open position, the housing does not move. However, other
embodiments may also be made in which the hinge is positioned below
the housing. In such embodiments, the airbag assembly is designed
such that the housing will move when the glove box door is moved
into the open position.
[0024] The airbag assembly may further be designed such that if the
glove box door is in the open position, the glove box door does not
block or hinder the deployment of the knee airbag. In such
embodiments, the airbag assembly may deploy the knee airbag into an
inflated configuration during a crash regardless of whether the
glove box door is in an open position or a closed position. Yet
further embodiments may also be constructed such that if the glove
box door is in the open position during a crash, the deployment of
the airbag will push and/or move the glove box door into a closed
position.
[0025] In some embodiments, the airbag assembly may further
comprise a middle panel that is made of metal, plastic, rubber,
polyvinyl, and/or other similar materials. The middle panel is
positioned inside of the front member. More specifically, the
airbag assembly is constructed such that the middle panel is
positioned between the front member and the glove box and/or
housing. Preferably, the middle panel is held between the front
member and the glove box and/or housing by having the front member
include one or more extending tabs that pass through one or more
slots on the middle panel.
[0026] In further embodiments, the airbag assembly may additionally
comprise a cover that is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric
material. The cover is preferably sized and configured such that it
may cover an aperture in the front member. The cover is preferably
attached to the housing and the front member via one or more
flanges that pass through one or more holes in the front member.
Additionally, the flanges may also be in contact with one or more
engaging tanges that are positioned on the housing.
[0027] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior that
includes an airbag assembly according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an assembly view of the airbag assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
of FIG. 2 in which the glove box door is shown in a closed
position;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
of FIG. 2 in which the glove box door is shown in an open
position;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an assembly view of a further embodiment of an
airbag assembly of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
of FIG. 5 in which the glove box door is shown in a closed
position;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
of FIG. 5 in which the glove box door is shown in an open
position;
[0036] FIG. 8 is an assembly view of an additional embodiment of an
airbag assembly of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 8 that illustrates the way in which the middle panel of the
airbag assembly may be attached to both the front member as well as
the glove box/housing;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly of FIG. 8 in which the glove box door is shown in a closed
position;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly of FIG. 8 in which the glove box door is shown in an open
position;
[0040] FIG. 12 is an assembly view of a yet further embodiment of
an airbag assembly of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 12 that illustrates the way in which the cover of the airbag
assembly may be attached to both the front member and the
housing;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly of FIG. 12 in which the glove box door is shown in a
closed position; and
[0043] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly of FIG. 12 in which the glove box door is shown in an open
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be
readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present
invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 15, is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of presently preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the passenger
side of a vehicle interior 10 is illustrated. The vehicle interior
10 includes an instrument panel 12 and a dashboard 14. The
instrument panel 12 and the dashboard 14 are positioned forwards of
a front passenger seat 20. In FIG. 1, a vehicle occupant 18 is also
illustrated seated on a front passenger seat 20.
[0046] An airbag assembly 22 according to the present invention is
also added to the vehicle interior 10. The airbag assembly 22
comprises a glove box 16 and a housing 26 that is positioned below
the glove box 16. Preferably, the housing 26 and the glove box 16
are attached to the instrument panel 12. Of course, other
embodiments may be made in which the housing 26 is positioned
proximate to the glove box 16. Yet further embodiments may be
constructed in which the housing 26 is positioned in front of the
glove box 16.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, an assembly view of the airbag
assembly 22 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The airbag assembly 22
includes the glove box 16 that may be made polyvinyl, plastic,
metal, combinations of polyvinyl, plastic or metal, and/or of other
similar materials. The glove box 16 is constructed such that it is
capable of storing papers, equipment, booklets, and other likely
occupant belongings.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the glove box 16 is
attached to the vehicle's instrument panel 12 via one or more
U-brackets 44. More specifically, the glove box 16 is hingedly
attached to top of the housing 26 and the housing 26 in turn
attached to the U-brackets 44. The U-brackets 44 are then attached
to a vehicle crossbeam 46 that is positioned on the instrument
panel 12. However, other embodiments may also be made in which the
glove box 16 is attached to the instrument panel 12 and/or the
brackets 44 via welding, fasteners, and/or other similar
methods.
[0049] As noted above, the airbag assembly 22 also includes the
housing 26. The housing 26 is made of metal, polyvinyl, plastic,
and the like and is designed to encase or enclose a knee airbag 28.
Preferably, the housing 26 is positioned below the glove box 16. In
fact, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the entirety of the
housing 26 is positioned below the entirety of the glove box 16.
However, other embodiments may also be made in which only a portion
of the housing 26 is positioned below the glove box 16.
[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing 26 is
separate from the glove box 16 and is designed such that the length
of the housing 26 is substantially equal to the longitudinal length
30 of the glove box 16. Those of skill in the art will recognize
that other embodiments may also be made in which the shape,
structure, and/or configuration of the housing 26 differs from that
which is shown in FIG. 2. For example, embodiments may be made in
which the housing 26 is connected to and/or integral with the all
or a portion of the glove box 16. Still further embodiments may be
made in which the length of the housing 26 is larger or smaller
than the longitudinal length 30 of the glove box 16. Yet additional
embodiments may be constructed in which the housing 26 is made of
the same material that is used to construct the glove box 16.
[0051] A mounting bracket 50 may also be attached to the housing
26. More than one mounting bracket 50 may also be used. The
mounting bracket 50 is constructed to attach the housing 26 to the
instrument panel 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bracket
50 connects the housing 26 to a receiving portion 54 that has been
added to the U-bracket 44. This connection between the bracket 50
and the receiving portion 54 is preferably accomplished via one or
more fasteners 56. Of course, welding and/or other methods for
attaching the housing 26 to the brackets 44 and/or the instrument
panel 12 may also be used.
[0052] Referring still to FIG. 2, the airbag assembly 22 may
further comprise a front member 60. The front member 60 is made of
polyvinyl, thermoplastic, and the like and is positioned forward of
the glove box 16. Preferably, the front member 60 covers both the
glove box 16 and the housing 26.
[0053] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the front member 60
comprises a glove box door 62 and an airbag door 64. The glove box
door 62 covers the glove box 16. The glove box door 62 is attached
to the front panel 71 of the glove box 16 whereas the airbag door
64 covers the housing 26. However, this depiction in FIG. 2 should
not be interpreted as being limiting. Other embodiments may also be
made in which the front member 60 is a glove box door 62 that
covers both the glove box 16 and the housing 26.
[0054] A hinge 66 and/or a latch mechanism 68 may additionally be
added to the airbag assembly 22. The latch mechanism 68 is attached
to the front member 60 and is designed to selectively engage and
disengage a top portion 61 of the instrument panel 12. Preferably,
the hinge 66 and the latch mechanism 68 are designed such that if
the latch mechanism 68 disengages from the top portion 61, the
glove box door 62 may be opened (see FIG. 4). When the latch
mechanism 68 disengages from the top portion 61, the glove box 16
and the glove box door 62 pivot about the hinge 66. More
specifically, the hinge 66 is configured such that when the latch
mechanism 68 disengages from the top portion 61, the glove box 16
and the glove box door 62 pivot about the hinge 6 toward the
vehicle occupant so that the vehicle occupant may access the
interior of the glove box 16.
[0055] As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the hinge
66 is attached to a top edge 69 the housing 26. Of course, other
embodiments may also be made in which the position of the hinge 66
differs from that which is depicted in FIG. 2. For example, some
embodiments may be made in which the hinge 66 is positioned below
or proximate to the bottom edge 70 the housing 26. Yet additional
embodiments may embodiments may also be made in which the hinge 66
forms part of the vehicle's instrument panel 12. Additionally, one
or more hooks 97 may also be added to the housing 26 to facilitate
attachment of the airbag door 64.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line
3-3 of FIG. 2 in which the airbag assembly 22 of FIG. 2 has been
installed onto the vehicle interior 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
the glove box door 62 is in a "closed" position. More specifically,
FIG. 3 illustrates the airbag assembly 22 in which the latch
mechanism 68 engages a top portion 61 and holds the glove box door
62 adjacent to the instrument panel 12.
[0057] As seen in FIG. 3, the front member 60 may further be
constructed such that the front bottom portion 72 of the glove box
door 62 interlocks and/or fits together with the front top portion
74 of the airbag door 64. In some embodiments, this interlocking of
the bottom portion 72 with the top portion 74 may be preferable in
that it increases the visual appearance of the front member 60 by
minimizing and/or reducing the gap between the glove box door 62
and the airbag door 64.
[0058] As depicted in FIG. 3, the knee airbag 28 has a stowed
configuration and an inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). In the event of a crash or accident, an ECU (not shown)
detects the crash and/or triggers an inflator 81 to begin the
inflating the knee airbag 28. Specifically, the ECU activates the
inflator 81 such that the inflator 81 produces and/or channels a
large volume of inflation gas (not shown) into the airbag 28. This
influx of inflation gas converts the airbag 28 into the inflated
configuration. As the airbag 28 inflates, the airbag 28 pushes
and/or moves the airbag door 64 away from the glove box door 62 (as
illustrated in phantom lines). Once the airbag door 64 has been
sufficiently moved, the airbag 28 deploys substantially upwards
such that it may contact or protect the occupants' knees 82 and/or
legs 84 during a crash.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
22 that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 3. However unlike FIG.
3, the glove box door 62 in FIG. 4 is shown in an "open" position.
Such opening of the glove box door 62 may be accomplished by
disengaging the latch mechanism 68 from the top portion 61.
Preferably, the hinge 66 and the U-brackets 44 are designed such
that when the latch mechanism 68 disengages from the top portion
61, the hinge 66 and the U-brackets 44 open the glove box door 62
by having a top portion 94 of the glove box door 62 move outwardly
away from the instrument panel 12. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the
airbag assembly 22 is constructed such that the movement of the
glove box door 62 into the open position does not move or affect
the position of the housing 22.
[0060] The fact that the glove box door 62 may be in an open
position during a crash does not block or hinder the deployment of
the airbag 28 into the inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). Rather, the airbag assembly 22 is constructed to deploy the
airbag 28 into an inflated configuration regardless of whether the
glove box door 62 is in an open position or a closed position.
Additional embodiments may also be made in which the airbag
assembly 22 is constructed such that if the glove box door 62 is in
an open position during a crash, the deployment of the airbag 28
will push and/or move the glove box door 62 into a closed
position.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. FIG. 5 is an assembly view of an airbag
assembly 122 that may be installed onto a vehicle interior 110. As
can be seen in FIG. 5, most of the components and elements of
airbag assembly 122 are similar and/or equivalent to the components
and elements that are found the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through
4.
[0062] The airbag assembly 122 includes a glove box 116 that may be
used to store equipment, booklets, papers, and the like. The glove
box 116 is constructed such that it may be attached to a vehicle's
instrument panel 112. As with the previous embodiment, such
attachment to the instrument panel 112 is preferably accomplished
via one or more U-brackets 144. In turn, the U-brackets 144 are
attached to a vehicle crossbeam 146 that is positioned on the
instrument panel 112. However, welding and/or other methods of
attaching the glove box 116 to the instrument panel 112 and/or the
U-brackets 144 may also be used.
[0063] The airbag assembly 122 also includes a housing 126 that
encases a knee airbag 128. The housing 126 is positioned below the
glove box 116. As with the previous embodiment, the airbag assembly
122 is a separate component that is constructed such that the
entirety of the housing 126 is positioned below the entirety of the
glove box 116. However, other embodiments may also be made in which
only of portion of the housing 126 is positioned below the glove
box 116. Still further embodiments may be made in which the housing
126 is connected to and/or integral with the all or a portion of
the glove box 116. Yet additional embodiments may be constructed in
which the housing 126 is made of the same material that is used to
construct the glove box 116.
[0064] Unlike the embodiment described above, the length of the
housing 126 is not equal to the longitudinal length 130 of the
glove box 116. Rather, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
length of the housing 126 is smaller than the longitudinal length
130 of the glove box 116.
[0065] A mounting bracket 150 may also be attached to the housing
126. More than one mounting bracket 150 may also be used. The
mounting bracket 150 is designed to attach the housing 126 to the
instrument panel 112. The bracket 150 shown in FIG. 5 is
constructed such that one or more fasteners 156 may secure the
housing 126 to a beam 154 that is positioned on the instrument
panel 112. However, other methods of connecting the housing 126 to
the instrument panel 112 may also be used. Yet further embodiments
may also be made in which the housing 126 is attached to the
U-brackets 144 and/or other portions of the airbag assembly
122.
[0066] Referring still to FIG. 5, the airbag assembly 122 further
comprises a front member 160. The front member 160 is positioned
forward of the glove box 116 and covers both the glove box 116 and
the housing 126. The front member 160 includes a glove box door 162
and an airbag door 164. The glove box door 162 covers the glove box
116 whereas the airbag door 164 covers the housing 126.
[0067] A hinge 166 and/or a latch mechanism 168 may additionally be
added to the airbag assembly 122. The latch mechanism 168 is
attached to the front member 160 and is designed to selectively
engage and disengage a top portion 161 of the instrument panel 112.
Preferably, the hinge 166 and the latch mechanism 168 are designed
such that if the latch mechanism 168 disengages from the top
portion 161, the glove box door 162 may be opened (see FIG. 7).
When the latch mechanism 168 disengages from the top portion 61,
the glove box 116 and the front member 160 pivot about the hinge
166. More specifically, the hinge 166 is configured such that when
the latch mechanism 168 disengages from the top portion 161, the
glove box 116 and the front member 160 pivot about the hinge 6
toward the vehicle occupant so that the vehicle occupant may access
the interior of the glove box 116.
[0068] Unlike the embodiment described above, the hinge 166 is not
attached to a top edge 169 of the housing 126. Rather, the hinge
166 is positioned below the housing 126. More specifically, the
hinge 166 is positioned below a bottom edge 170 of the housing 126
and is attached to the instrument panel 112. In some embodiments,
the hinge 166 is also coupled to a portion of the beam 154.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line
6-6 in FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the glove box door 162 is
in a "closed" position. More specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates the
airbag assembly 122 in which the latch mechanism 168 engages the
top portion 161 and holds the glove box door 162 adjacent to the
instrument panel 112.
[0070] As depicted in FIG. 6, the knee airbag 128 has a stowed
configuration and an inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). In the event of a crash or accident, an ECU (not shown)
detects the crash and/or triggers an inflator 181 to begin the
inflating the knee airbag 128. Specifically, the ECU activates the
inflator 181 such that the inflator 181 produces and/or channels a
large volume of inflation gas (not shown) into the airbag 128. This
influx of inflation gas converts the airbag 128 into the inflated
configuration. As the airbag 128 inflates, the airbag 128 pushes
and/or moves the airbag door 164 away from the glove box door 162
(as illustrated in phantom lines). Once the airbag door 164 has
been sufficiently moved, the airbag 128 deploys substantially
upwards such that it may contact or protect the occupants' knees
182 and/or legs 184 during a crash.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag assembly
122 that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 6. However unlike
FIG. 6, the glove box 162 in FIG. 7 is shown in an "open" position.
Such opening of the glove box door 162 may be accomplished by
disengaging the latch mechanism 168 from the top portion 161.
Preferably, the hinge 166 and the U-brackets 144 are designed such
that when the latch mechanism 168 disengages from the top portion
161, the hinge 166 and the U-brackets 144 open the glove box door
162 by having a top portion 194 of the glove box door 162 move
outwardly away from the instrument panel 112. As can be seen in
FIG. 7, the airbag assembly 122 is constructed such that the
movement of the glove box door 162 into the open position likewise
moves or changes the position of the housing 126. Furthermore, as
seen in FIG. 7, the hinge 166 may be coupled to a portion of the
beam 154.
[0072] The airbag assembly 122 may further be constructed such that
when the glove box door 162 is in the open position, portions of
the glove box door 162 and/or the glove box 116 become positioned
in front of the airbag door 164. Accordingly, if a crash or
accident occurs when the glove box door 162 is in the open
position, such positioning of the glove box door 162 and/or the
glove box 116 may block or hinder the deployment of the airbag 128
during a crash.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 8, an additional embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. FIG. 8 is an assembly view of an
airbag assembly 222 that may be installed or attached to a vehicle
interior 210. As can be seen in FIG. 8, most of the components and
elements of airbag assembly 222 are similar and/or equivalent to
the components and elements that are found the embodiments
described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 7.
[0074] The airbag assembly 222 includes a glove box 216 that may be
used to store equipment, booklets, papers, and the like. The glove
box 216 is constructed of metal, plastic (such as polypropylene and
the like), polyvinyl, or other similar materials. Preferably, the
glove box 216 is constructed such that it may be attached to a
vehicle's instrument panel 212. As with the previous embodiment,
such attachment to the instrument panel 212 is preferably
accomplished via one or more U-brackets 244 that are mounted to a
crossbeam 246 positioned on the instrument panel 212. However,
welding and/or other methods for attaching the glove box 216 to the
instrument panel 212 and/or U-brackets 244 may also be used.
[0075] The airbag assembly 222 also includes a housing 226 that
encases a knee airbag 228. The housing 226 is positioned below the
glove box 216 and may be made of metal, plastic (such as
polypropylene and the like), polyvinyl, or other similar materials.
As with the previous embodiments, the housing 226 is sized such
that the length of the housing 226 is substantially equal to the
longitudinal length 230 of the glove box 216. Additionally, the
housing 226 is further constructed such that the entirety of the
housing 226 is positioned below the entirety of the glove box 216.
However, those of skill in the art will recognize that such
features are not limiting. Other embodiments may also be made in
which the length of the housing 226 is larger or smaller than the
longitudinal length 230 of the glove box 216. Yet further
embodiments may be made in which only a portion of the housing 226
is positioned below the glove box 216.
[0076] The airbag assembly 222 is further constructed such that the
housing 226 is integral with the glove box 216. However as noted
above, other embodiments may also be made in which the housing 216
and the housing 226 comprise two separate components. Yet further
embodiments may be constructed in which the housing 226 is attached
to the housing 216 via fasteners, welding, or other similar
methods.
[0077] A mounting bracket 250 may also be hingedly attached to the
housing 226. More than one mounting bracket 250 may also be used.
The mounting bracket 250 is designed to attach one or more hinges
266 to the instrument panel 212. As with the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, the bracket 250 shown in FIG. 8 is constructed such that
one or more fasteners 256 may secure the hinges 266 to a beam 254
that is positioned on the instrument panel 212. As indicated, the
beam 254 may also be attached to the crossbeam 246. Of course,
other methods of hingedly connecting the housing 226 to the
instrument panel 212 may also be used. For example, further
embodiment may also be made in which the housing 226 is hingedly
attached to other portions of the airbag assembly 222.
[0078] The airbag assembly 222 further comprises a front member
260. The front member 260 is positioned forward of the glove box
216 and covers both the glove box 216 and the housing 226. Unlike
the embodiments described above however, the front member 260
comprises a glove box door 262 that covers both the glove box 216
and the housing 226. A tear seam 264 that is positioned in front of
the housing 226 may also be added.
[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the front member 260 is
constructed of a thermoplastic material. One such thermoplastic
material that is commonly used in the airbag industry is Hymont,
multibase 9001. However, other types of thermoplastic materials may
also be used. Yet further embodiments may also be constructed in
which the front member 260 is made of rubber, polyvinyl,
polypropylene, or other similar materials.
[0080] A hinge 266 and/or a latch mechanism 268 may additionally be
added to the airbag assembly 222. The latch mechanism 268 is
attached to the front member 260 and is designed to selectively
engage and disengage a top portion 261 of the instrument panel 212.
Preferably, the hinge 266 and the latch mechanism 268 are designed
such that if the latch mechanism 268 disengages from the top
portion 261, the glove box door 262 may be opened (see FIG. 11).
The hinge 266 is designed such that it may be coupled to the beam
254. Again, the hinge 266 is designed such that if the latch
mechanism 268 disengages from the top portion 261, the glove box
216, the front member 260, and the housing 226 will all pivot about
the hinge 266. Specifically, the hinge 266 is designed such that if
the latch 268 is disengaged, the glove box 216, the front member
260, and the housing 226 will all pivot towards the occupant so
that the occupant may access the interior of the glove box 216.
[0081] As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the hinge 266 is not
attached to a top edge 269 of the housing 226. Rather, the hinge
266 is positioned below the housing 226. More specifically, the
hinge 266 is positioned below a bottom edge 270 of the housing 226
and is located on the instrument panel 212.
[0082] Referring still to FIG. 8, the airbag assembly 222 may
further comprise a middle panel 272. The middle panel 272 is made
of metal, plastic, or other similar materials and is designed such
that it increases the rigidity of the airbag assembly 222. The
middle panel 272 is positioned behind the front member 260. The
middle panel 272 is positioned between the front member 260 and the
glove box 216/housing 226. As will be described in greater detail
below, the middle panel 272 is preferably held between the front
member 260 and the glove box 216/housing 226 by having the front
member 260 include one or more extending tabs 273 that pass through
one or more slots 274 that are positioned along a peripheral region
275 of the middle panel 272.
[0083] The middle panel 272 may further include one or more ribs
276. The ribs 276 are positioned in front of the glove box 216 and
are designed to provide additional stiffness to the middle panel
272 and/or the glove box 216. An aperture 277 that is positioned in
front of the housing 226 may also be added to the middle panel
272.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view taken along
the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 illustrates the way in which the extending
tabs 273 may be used to hold the middle panel 272. More
particularly, FIG. 9 shows the manner in which the extending tabs
273 may be used to hold the middle panel 272 between the glove box
216 and the front member 260. However, in an equivalent manner, the
extending tabs 273 may also be used to hold the middle panel 272
between the housing 226 and the front member 260.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the extending tabs 273 are
constructed to engage the middle panel 272 by passing through the
slots 274. Once the extending tabs 273 have passed through the
slots 274, one or more fasteners 278 are then used to attach the
extending tabs 273 to the glove box 216. Specifically, the
fasteners 278 pass through an opening 279 in the glove box 216 and
then engage a portion of the extending tabs 273.
[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the fasteners 278
comprise a washer 280 and a screw 283. Those of skill in the art
will recognize that a variety of other types of structures or
features may also be used as the fasteners 278. For example, other
embodiments may also be made in which the fasteners 278 comprise
nails, bolts, rivets, hook, and the like, including ultrasonic
welding of thermoplastic materials.
[0087] The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is further designed such that
when the fasteners 278 are passed through the opening 279, a gap
279a is formed between the edge of the washer 280 and the edge of
the extending tabs 273. Of course, other embodiments may also be
designed such that when the fasteners 278 are passed through the
opening 279, there is no gap between the edge of the washer 280 and
the edge of the extending tabs 273.
[0088] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line
10-10 of FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the glove box door 262
is in a "closed" position. More specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates
the airbag assembly 222 in which the latch mechanism 268 engages
the top portion 261 and holds the glove box door 262 adjacent to
the instrument panel 212.
[0089] As depicted in FIG. 10, the knee airbag 228 has a stowed
configuration and an inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). In the event of a crash or accident, an ECU (not shown)
detects the crash and/or triggers an inflator 281 to begin the
inflating the knee airbag 228. Specifically, the ECU activates the
inflator 281 such that the inflator 281 produces and/or channels a
large volume of inflation gas (not shown) into the airbag 228. This
influx of inflation gas converts the airbag 128 into the inflated
configuration. As the airbag 228 inflates, the airbag 228 moves
through the aperture 277 (shown in FIG. 8) and then deploys into
the vehicle interior 210 by tearing through the tear seam 264.
Preferably, the airbag 228 deploys substantially upwards such that
it may contact or protect the occupants' knees 282 and/or legs 284
during a crash.
[0090] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly 222 that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 10. However,
unlike FIG. 10, the glove box door 262 shown in FIG. 11 is in an
"open" position. Such opening of the glove box door 262 may be
accomplished by disengaging the latch mechanism 268 from the top
portion 261. Preferably, the hinge 266 and the U-brackets 244 are
designed such that when the latch mechanism 268 disengages from the
top portion 261, the hinge 266 and the U-brackets 244 open the
glove box door 262 by having a top portion 294 of the glove box
door 262 move outwardly away from the instrument panel 112. As can
be seen in FIG. 11, the airbag assembly 222 is constructed such
that the movement of the glove box door 262 into the open position
likewise moves and/or changes the position of the housing 226.
[0091] The fact that the glove box door 262 may be in an open
position during a crash does not block or hinder the deployment of
the airbag 228 into the inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). Rather, the airbag assembly 222 is constructed to deploy
the airbag 228 into an inflated configuration regardless of whether
the glove box door 262 is in an open position or a closed position.
Additionally, the airbag assembly 222 is further constructed such
that if the glove box door 262 is in an open position during a
crash, the deployment of the airbag 228 will push and/or move the
glove box door 262 into a closed position (as illustrated by the
arrow 296).
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 12, a yet additional embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. FIG. 12 is an assembly 322 that
may be installed or attached to a vehicle interior 310. As can be
seen in FIG. 12, most of the components and elements of airbag
assembly 322 are similar and/or equivalent to the components and
elements that are found the embodiments described in conjunction
with FIGS. 1 through 11.
[0093] The airbag assembly 322 includes a glove box 316 that may be
used to store equipment, booklets, papers, and the like.
Preferably, the glove box 316 is constructed such that it may be
attached to a vehicle's instrument panel 312. As with the previous
embodiment, such attachment to the instrument panel 312 is
preferably accomplished via one or more U-brackets 344 that are
mounted to a crossbeam 346 positioned on the instrument panel 312.
However, welding and/or other methods or mechanisms for attaching
the glove box 316 to the instrument panel 312 and/or the brackets
344 may also be used.
[0094] The airbag assembly 322 also includes a housing 326 that
encases a knee airbag 328. The housing 326 is positioned below the
glove box 316. The airbag assembly 322 is further constructed such
that the housing 326 is integral with the glove box 316. However as
noted above, other embodiments may also be made in which the glove
box 316 and the housing 326 are two separate components. Yet
further embodiments may be constructed in which the housing 326 is
attached to the housing 316 via fasteners, welding, or other
similar methods.
[0095] As with the previous embodiments, the housing 326 is sized
such that the length of the housing 326 is substantially equal to
the longitudinal length 330 of the glove box 316. Additionally, the
housing 326 is further constructed such that the entirety of the
housing 326 is positioned below the entirety of the glove box 316.
However, those of skill in the art will recognize that such
features are not limiting. Other embodiments may also be made in
which the length of the housing 326 is larger or smaller than the
longitudinal length 330 of the glove box 316. Yet further
embodiments may be made in which only a portion of the housing 326
is positioned below the glove box 316.
[0096] A mounting bracket 350 may also be hingedly attached to the
housing 326. More than one mounting bracket 350 may also be used.
The mounting bracket 350 is designed to attach one or more hinges
366 to the instrument panel 312. As with the embodiments described
in FIGS. 5 and 8, the bracket 350 shown in FIG. 12 is constructed
such that one or more fasteners 356 may secure the hinges 366 to a
beam 354 that is positioned on the instrument panel 312. As
outlined above, other methods of hingedly connecting the housing
326 to the instrument panel 312 may also be used. Yet further
embodiment may also be made in which the housing 326 is hingedly
attached to the U-brackets 344 and/or other portions of the airbag
assembly 322.
[0097] The airbag assembly 322 further comprises a front member
360. The front member 360 is positioned forward of the glove box
316 and covers both the glove box 316 and the housing 326. Unlike
the embodiments described above however, the front member 360
includes both a glove box door 362 and an aperture 364. The glove
box door 362 is positioned in front of the glove box 316 whereas
the aperture 364 is positioned in front of the housing 326.
Preferably, the glove box door 362 is attached to the glove box 316
via one or more fasteners 365 that engage protrusions 367 that
extend rearwards from the glove box door 362. Specifically, the
protrusion 367 and the fasteners 365 operate to attach the glove
box door 362 in the same manner that the tabs 273 described in
conjunction with FIG. 9 operate to attach the front member 260 to
the glove box 216/housing 226 (see FIG. 9).
[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the front member 360,
the glove box 316, and the housing 326 are all constructed of a
less-expensive plastic material such as polypropylene. However,
other materials may also be used. Specifically, embodiments may be
made in which the front member 360, the glove box 316, and/or the
housing 326 are made of metal, other types of plastic, rubber,
polyvinyl, and the like.
[0099] A hinge 366 and/or a latch mechanism 368 may additionally be
added to the airbag assembly 322. The latch mechanism 368 is
attached to the front member 360 and is designed to selectively
engage and disengage a top portion 361of the instrument panel 312.
Preferably, the hinge 366 and the latch mechanism 368 are designed
such that if the latch mechanism 368 disengages from the top
portion 361, the glove box door 362 may be opened (see FIG.
15).
[0100] As with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the hinge
366 is not attached to a top edge 369 of the housing 326. Rather,
the hinge 366 is positioned below the housing 326. More
specifically, the hinge 366 is positioned below the bottom edge 370
of the housing 326 and is located on the instrument panel 312.
[0101] Referring still to FIG. 12, the airbag assembly 322 may
further comprise a cover 371. The cover 371 is made of a
thermoplastic elastomeric material and is sized and configured to
cover the aperture 364. As will be described in greater detail
below, the cover 371 is attached to the housing 326 and the front
member 360 via one or more flanges 373 that engage holes 375 in the
front member 360 and openings 377 in the housing 326.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view taken along
the line 13-13 of FIG. 12 illustrates the way in which the flanges
373 operate to attache the cover 371. As illustrated in FIG. 13,
the flanges comprise an enlarged end 374 and the housing 326
includes one or more engaging tanges 376 that surround and/or are
positioned adjacent to the openings 377.
[0103] Once the flanges 373 have passed through the holes 375 in
the front member 360, the end 374 contacts and/or engages the
tanges 376. The contact between the tanges 376 and the end 374
causes the tanges 376 to flex or bend (as illustrated by the arrow
378). Such flexing of the tanges 376 allows the flanges 373 to pass
through the openings 377 in the housing 326. However, once the
flanges have been passed through the openings 377, the tanges 376
return to the normal position and engage the end 374. Such
engagement between the end 374 and the tanges 376 holds the cover
371 in the proper position and ensures that the cover 371 is
securely attached to the housing 326 and the front member 360.
[0104] Referring still to FIG. 13, the cover 371 may further
include a tear seam 379. The tear seam 379 is a depression or
weakness in the cover 371 that is designed such that during an
crash or accident, the airbag 328 (shown in FIG. 12) may tear or
deploy through the tear seam 379. As shown in FIG. 13, the tear
seam 379 is positioned on the front panel 389 of the cover 371.
However, other embodiments may also be made in which the tear seam
379 is added to the one or more of the tanges 376.
[0105] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line
14-14 of FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the glove box door 362
is in the "closed" position. More specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates
the airbag assembly 322 in which the latch mechanism 368 engages
the top portion 361 and holds the glove box door 362 adjacent to
the instrument panel 312.
[0106] As depicted in FIG. 14, the knee airbag 328 has a stowed
configuration and an inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). In the event of a crash or accident, an ECU (not shown)
detects the crash and/or triggers an inflator 381 to begin
inflating the airbag 328. Specifically, the ECU activates the
inflator 381 such that the inflator 381 produces and/or channels a
large volume of inflation gas (not shown) into the airbag 328. This
influx of inflation gas converts the airbag 328 into the inflated
configuration. As the airbag 328 inflates, the airbag moves through
the aperture 364 (shown in FIG. 12) and then deploys into the
vehicle interior 310 by tearing through the tear seam 379.
Preferably, the airbag 328 deploys substantially upwards such that
it may contact or protect the occupants' knees 382 and/or legs 384
during a crash.
[0107] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the airbag
assembly 322 that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 14. However,
unlike FIG. 14, the glove box door 362 shown in FIG. 15 is in the
"open" position. Such opening of the glove box door 362 may be
accomplished by disengaging the latch mechanism 368 from the top
portion 361. Preferably, the hinge 366 and the U-brackets 344 are
designed such that when the latch mechanism 368 disengages from the
top portion 361, the hinge 366 and the U-brackets 344 open the
glove box door 363 by having a top portion 394 of the door 362 move
outwardly away from the instrument panel 312. As seen in FIG. 15,
the airbag assembly 322 is constructed such that the movement of
the glove box door 362 into the open position will also move the
housing 326.
[0108] The fact that the glove box door 362 may be in the open
position during a crash does not block or hinder the deployment of
the airbag 328 into the inflated configuration (shown in phantom
lines). Rather, the airbag assembly 322 is constructed to deploy of
the airbag 328 into the inflated configuration regardless of
whether the glove box door 362 is in an open position or a closed
position. Additionally, the airbag assembly 322 is further
constructed such that if the glove box door 362 is in an open
position during a crash, the deployment of the airbag 328 will push
and/or return the glove box door 362 into a closed position (as
illustrated by the arrow 396).
[0109] In summary, the present invention provides a novel glove box
airbag assemblies that include a glove box, a housing, and front
member. These glove box airbag assemblies have been specifically
designed to overcome many of the limitations and drawbacks
associated with previously known glove box airbag systems.
[0110] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other
essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed
hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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